What is acid?

Acids are a type of chemical compound that contain a hydrogen atom bound to an oxygen atom and a negative ion. These compounds can be naturally occurring or man-made, and range from simple to complex in their chemistry. Acids are often used in industrial applications such as cleaning, leather tanning, water treatment and manufacturing. In general, an acid is often defined as a substance that has a sour taste, a high concentration of hydrogen ions, and that turns litmus paper red.

Chemical Properties

Acids are defined by the presence of one or several hydrogen atoms bound to an oxygen atom and a negative ion, usually a proton, forming a covalent bond. This bond releases a proton when the acid is dissolved in a solution, creating an acidic solution. Common acids such as citric, acetic, lactic and hydrochloric, are all composed of these hydrogen-oxygen-ion bonds, and can all be identified by their sour taste, reaction with metal, and ability to turn blue litmus paper red.

Uses

Acids have a variety of industrial and practical uses. Acids are used in the production of a wide range of goods, such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and paints. Acids are also used in the preparation of leather, plastic, rubber and fiberglass. The cleaning properties of acids are often used for medical and industrial purposes, including cleaning of labware, glassware and metal parts, removing rust and corrosion from tanks, and cleaning drainage systems. Acids can also be used to create salts or neutralizers, or to adjust the pH of a solution.

Safety and Precautions

Working with acids can be potentially hazardous, and proper safety precautions should always be taken when handling these materials. Safety glasses and gloves should be worn while working with acids and protective clothing should be used to prevent spills and splashes. Any spills and splashes should be immediately cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with any relevant regulations. Additionally, all areas where acid is used should be well ventilated to avoid any buildup of toxic fumes.